Original US model Shure SC35C

[DSJR]

A heady collection of "stuff" there - would love to see it all

[Marco]

Some people don't want sonic truth, merely a big-n-beefy presentation with a rolled off treble

Perish the thought!! The fact is, it's got bugger all to do with "sonic truth" (the concept of which, in any case, is entirely subjective), and all to do with achieving sonic synergy.

Whilst some spherical-tipped cartridges can indeed sound that way, much of the effect is ameliorated, and virtually nullified, by the use of the right tonearm, T/T and phono stage - again, it's all to do with synergy..... None of the spherical-tipped cartridges in my system sound the way you have described.

Proof of this, excluding other similar experiences, was particularly conclusive when I borrowed Barry's superb Decca London Gold, and fitted it onto my modded Techy, instead of my usual SPU Classic GM. Treble detail and extension were remarkably similar to that of my SPU, with both cartridges exhibiting plenty of 'air' and 'sparkle'.

It was the midrange and bass where the most notable differences were. The midrange of the Decca had more 'attack' and greater projection (although the SPU was no slouch in this area), consequently increasing the clarity and intelligibility of vocals and acoustic instrumentation, however losing out in the lower frequencies to the SPU, which had greater power and visceral impact, together with better rhythmic acuity.

I loved the Decca, and could have easily lived with it, but there is a certain magic and overall 'musical rightness' with the SPU, which makes it my current favourite cartridge of choice. The point being though, that the spherical-tipped SPU did not lose out to the Decca one iota in terms of treble extension, and consequently did not sound "rolled off", in the way that you have implied.

The problem is that it takes the use of a quality high-mass tonearm in order to make spherical-tipped cartridges 'behave' as intended, and these days, such things are deeply unfashionable. And so other than the Jelco SA-750 and (rather pricey) Ortofon TA-110, there are no other modern options available.

And try strapping a DL-103, or similar, onto a modern low or medium-mass tonearm (which most people do through lack of available choice), and the results will be piss-poor, or mediocre - if you're lucky!

Nope, allowing a vintage cartridge with a spherical tip to realise its full potential in a modern system, requires an understanding of the technicalities involved, plenty of experience, and a goodly dose of lateral thinking! And yes, whilst there is no doubt that elliptical or fine-line styli are technically superior, and offer less distortion, they also tend to sound rather more 'hi-fi' and somewhat 'soulless', compared to a quality spherical-tipped cartridge which has been optimally set-up and partnered correctly.

As ever in audio, there is ALWAYS some form of trade-off to be had, so never think that there exists a 'universal optimal solution', in terms of cartridges, stylus types, or indeed anything else. The key is to experiment with the various options, learn what their traits are, always retain an open mind, and above all, leave old prejudices behind and be willing to learn and reassess previously entrenched opinions accordingly!

Marco.

[DSJR]

OK, it's just my opinion - content removed 'cos I really don't want a fight with anyone over this

[Marco]

Dave, with respect, in terms of the above, I don't need you to show me anything.

When you have daily access to BOTH a top-notch digital and vinyl source, and identical recordings of music on both CD and vinyl, with which to do relevant comparisons, you need no further "proof" of what is actually happening than listening!

Marco.

[wiicrackpot]

Here are the cartridge mugshot, strange i can't find my 103r + stabiliser mounted on ADC LMG1 but came across a box containing a 304, Pickering XV15 + SME shell and Shure V15 mk3 in AT MG10 shell, here goes.



By wiiandy at 2011-09-25
wii.

p.s.don't know how to link big photo's

[Reid Malenfant]

p.s.don't know how to link big photo's

Have a read of this thread here, it's dead easy once you suss it out

[wiicrackpot]

Big thank you Mark, took me a while as i can't find the 'i' symbol but got there eventually.

[Marco]

Here are the cartridge mugshot, strange i can't find my 103r + stabiliser mounted on ADC LMG1 but came across a box containing a 304, Pickering XV15 + SME shell and Shure V15 mk3 in AT MG10 shell, here goes.



By wiiandy at 2011-09-25
wii.

That's a lovely collection of 'proper' cartridges, Andy!

Marco.

[kininigin]

Shure V15 VMR with Ed Saunders tip
Technics EPC 205c mk4 (minter & the smallest tip profile i ever seen period)
Stanton 681 EEE
Denon 103r
Decca London 'gold' (vintage bought recently)
Ortofon GT (coming)
Shure sc35c (US version NOS white lettering and made in USA at the back)

That's far too many carts for 1 person,tell you what i'll take the decca off you,to lighten the load

Where did you source the SC35C from?

[wiicrackpot]

Thanks Marco, i am trying to get big bang for the bucks carts now mostly due to my financial constraints now , get what you are saying about matching the cart to particular arms hence i've been stashing a low,medium and high mass arms to cover everything.

I know what you are saying about SPU's but the mere mention of the word means pricey, i was lucky to put in a bid of £200.00 for my Decca (having looked at completed listings tend to veer between £260.00 - £300.00 plus) but was cock-a-hoop when i came home to find i won it for £156.00, it's in Brill nick and perfect in every way and the treasure of my collection.

wii.